Agent: NFF still owing Chelle but he’s focused on Super Eagles job

Abraham Sidibe, manager and agent of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, has disclosed that his client is still being owed salaries by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Sidibe spoke in an interview with a Lagos-based radio station, where he confirmed the development on Tuesday.

During the just-ended 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Eagles players had threatened not to travel to Marrakech for their quarter-final clash against Algeria due to unpaid bonuses at the competition, which also included those of coaches and team officials.

The bonuses were eventually settled, as the team went on to book a spot in the semi-final against hosts Morocco with a 2-0 victory.

However, Sidibe suggested that Chelle is still being owed by his employers, dating back to before the start of the competition.

The agent explained that his client’s admiration for Nigeria is lifelong, adding that he was satisfied with him guiding Nigeria to a bronze finish at the AFCON.

‘When he (Chelle) was young, he used to play PlayStation with the Nigerian jersey, so I mean the dream became a reality now. I’m really happy that we had that opportunity,’ he said.

‘Eric also taking Nigeria to the semi-finals, I’m very happy.’

When asked if the coach had been fully paid by the NFF, he said: ‘What is important to Eric is the field. Eric came to return Nigeria’s glory, so it is on the way. There is a payment problem; this is with the NFF and NSC. Eric is focused on the field.’